In this study, the weldability of 5.1-mm thick Ti-6Al-4V sheets in the mill-annealed condition was investigated using a continuous wave 4 kW Nd:YAG laser at various welding speeds and defocusing distances. The joint quality was characterized in terms of weld geometry, microstructure, defects and hardness. Although some welding defects such as underfill and porosity were observed, sound welds without cracks can be obtained using a high power Nd:YAG laser. The hardness was found to be maximum in the fusion zone (FZ) and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) near the fusion boundary, beyond which a gradual decrease occurred to the base material.

Publication date

2010-10-01

Language

English

Affiliation

NRC Institute for Aerospace Research; National Research Council Canada